Smoke Streams Across Eastern Washington

• In August 2026, intense wildfires in eastern Washington produced widespread smoke affecting Idaho, Montana, and parts of Canada.
• The Little Giant fire and a cluster of Spokane-area blazes are primary drivers of poor air quality and destruction.
• Drought conditions and extreme heat have led to the state's most active fire season since 2021.

Active Wildfires

• Little Giant Fire: Ignited by lightning on July 15, this fire has consumed over 38,500 acres west of Chelan with 0% containment.
• Spokane Area Fires: Including the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires, this cluster burned over 8,000 acres by August 3 and resulted in the destruction or damage of more than 600 structures.
• Total Impact: Since the start of 2026, over 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres in Washington.

Environmental Conditions

• Persistent drought and low winter snowpack left vegetation highly susceptible to fire.
• The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation alert" for fire conditions on July 31 due to high temperatures and strong winds.

Response and Emergency Measures

• Mandatory evacuations are in effect for parts of Spokane and Stevens Counties.
• Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and implemented a burn ban.
• The NASA Disasters Program has been activated to provide mapping and data to assist response agencies.